The Ethical Principle of ‘Do No Harm’ and Industrial Action

This paper discusses the ethical principle of ‘do no harm’ and how this applies when industrial action is contemplated or undertaken.

The paper recognises that the right of health and disability workers to strike is important. It outlines NEAC’s view that all parties have a responsibility to ‘do no harm’ during industrial action, both in relation to the planning for, and conduct during, strike.

The paper may be a useful reference for all parties involved in the processes of industrial relations to consider the ethical principle of ‘do no harm’ in the context of industrial action.

This paper has had input from representatives of health and disability workers, health sector employers and unions. NEAC would like to thank all those who have contributed.